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Millions of Iranians are struggling to make ends meet as the war with the US and a naval blockade have sent the economy into recession and prices soaring. Inflation has hit 88%, with food prices more than doubling in a year, while unemployment and underemployment are widespread. Many Iranians, even those with assets, find it hard to cope as the government faces budget strains and considers further fuel price hikes.
President Donald Trump announced plans to designate the Strait of Hormuz as US territory amid ongoing tensions with Iran, drawing sharp criticism from Tehran. Experts dismiss the move as legally and practically unfeasible, noting it would require congressional or treaty approval and military control over Iran's coast.
Lebanese leaders condemned Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 11 people in southern Lebanon on Saturday, marking the deadliest incident since the US-brokered ceasefire in June. Israel defended the strikes as responses to Hezbollah actions, while analysts suggest Netanyahu seeks escalation to bolster his political standing ahead of October elections.
Thousands of Taliban supporters rallied in Kabul on the fifth anniversary of the group's return to power, celebrating what they called a victory. Meanwhile, many residents voiced concerns over unemployment, rising prices, and restricted freedoms, and aid agencies highlighted ongoing humanitarian crises.
A bus carrying Polish tourists crashed on Hungary's M3 motorway early this morning, killing at least 12 people and injuring 47 others. The driver has been detained amid suspicions he fell asleep. Hungarian and Polish officials have expressed condolences.
Hundreds of demonstrators in Germany and South Korea marched over the weekend against Israel's military campaign in Gaza, urging a ceasefire and civilian protection. In Berlin, 500 rallied near the Brandenburg Gate, while in Seoul, crowds waved Palestinian flags and condemned airstrikes.
Iran and Tajikistan have agreed to accelerate transport cooperation to bolster regional connectivity and bilateral trade. Senior officials discussed road, rail, and multimodal projects and committed to finalizing technical and legal agreements soon.
Six Iranian universities have been placed in the top 1,000 of the 2024 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), up from five in 2023. Tehran University leads the Iranian institutions in the 301-400 band, while the new entrant, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, ranks in the 801-900 group.
North Korea has stepped up its rhetoric against Japan's military expansion and closer ties with the U.S. and South Korea, labeling them as destabilizing provocations. Analysts point to Japan's rising defense budget and joint drills as key triggers. The heightened criticism may complicate regional diplomacy, while Tokyo and its allies insist their actions are defensive.
Nearly half of Europe is experiencing drought, driving rivers like the Loire, Rhine, and Danube to record lows. Satellite images reveal shrinking waterways and declining vegetation across the continent, with severe impacts on shipping, agriculture, and urban green spaces.
